Pore-network modeling of liquid water transport in gas diffusion layer of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell

2007 ◽  
Vol 52 (28) ◽  
pp. 7936-7945 ◽  
Author(s):  
Puneet K. Sinha ◽  
Chao-Yang Wang
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Polymer Electrolyte ◽  
Water Transport ◽  
Diffusion Layer ◽  
Liquid Water ◽  
Network Modeling ◽  
Gas Diffusion Layer ◽  
Gas Diffusion ◽  
Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell ◽  
Liquid Water Transport

A Low Order Control-Oriented Model of Liquid Water Transport in PEM Fuel Cell

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelo Esposito ◽  
Cesare Pianese ◽  
Yann G. Guezennec
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Water Transport ◽  
Diffusion Layer ◽  
Liquid Water ◽  
Gas Diffusion Layer ◽  
Pem Fuel Cells ◽  
Gas Diffusion ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Computational Time ◽  
Liquid Water Transport

In this work, an accurate and computationally fast model for liquid water transport within a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) electrode is developed by lumping the space-dependence of the relevant variables. Capillarity is considered as the main transport mechanism within the gas diffusion layer (GDL). The novelty of the model lies in the simulation of the water transport at the interface between gas diffusion layer and gas flow channel (GFC). This is achieved with a phenomenological description of the process that allows its simulation with relative simplicity. Moreover, a detailed two-dimensional visualization of such interface is achieved via geometric simulation of water droplets formation, growth, coalescence and detachment on the surface of the GDL. The accomplishment of reduced computational time and good accuracy makes the model suitable for control strategy implementation to ensure PEM fuel cells operation within optimal electrode water content. Furthermore, the model is useful for optimization analysis oriented to both PEMFC design and balance of plant.

Modeling of Durability Effect on the Flooding Behavior in the PEFC Gas Diffusion Layer

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Partha P. Mukherjee ◽  
Rangachary Mukundan ◽  
Rodney L. Borup
Keyword(s):  
Water Transport ◽  
Diffusion Layer ◽  
Liquid Water ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Gas Diffusion Layer ◽  
Gas Diffusion ◽  
Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell ◽  
Limiting Current ◽  
Modeling Framework ◽  
Liquid Water Transport

The gas diffusion layer (GDL) plays a critical role in the overall performance of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC), especially in the mass transport control regime due to suboptimal liquid water transport. Liquid water blocks the porous pathways in the catalyst layer and gas diffusion layer thereby causing hindered oxygen transport from the channel to the active reaction sites. This phenomenon is known as “flooding” and is perceived as the primary mechanism leading to the limiting current behavior in the cell performance. The pore morphology and wetting characteristics of the cathode GDL are of paramount importance in the effective PEFC water management. Typical beginning-of-life GDLs exhibit hydrophobic characteristics, which facilities liquid water transport and hence reduces flooding. Experimental data, however, suggest that the GDL loses hydrophobicity over prolonged PEFC operation and becomes prone to enhanced flooding. In this work, we present a pore-scale modeling framework to study the structure-wettability-durability interplay in the context of flooding behavior in the PEFC GDL.

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